BEN Trevaskis said he is “gutted” after being forced to call it quits on his fledgling professional rugby career with the Cornish Pirates.

The 22-year-old former Penryn lock forward left the Mennaye Field club on Friday morning by mutual agreement after a recent bout of food poisoning had affected his development on the field.

He had signed in the summer through the Greene King IPA Championship sides’ Player Development Foundation project, which is looking to nurture young rugby players into future stars.

Speaking to the Packet, Trevaskis said he is unsure what food actually caused the illness, adding he is saddened to be leaving the club, He could now potentially make a return to Penryn, although offers have already come in from other sides.

Trevaskis said: “It is gutting to have to soon because of something which is out of my control, but I enjoyed every minute of my time at the Pirates and have learnt so much over the last few months.

“I was obviously upset that my Pirates career was going to end so soon, but there is no time to sit around and sulk.

“I must look forward and move on now with my plan being to go back to my old full-time job and take a few weeks to decide where I go from here.

“In terms of clubs I could go to, Penryn is definitely a big option as I love the club and know the lads well, but I will keep my options open for the time being.”

He said a lot of discussion was held between himself and the coaches at the Pirates over his future after catching the illness.

Trevaskis also said he would jump at the chance to play professionally again if the opportunity arrived.

“It wasn’t a decision taken lightly by either party,” he said.

“But they are experienced coaches and know what they are talking about, so I have to listen to their advice.

“It would become an issue for me if I wasn’t playing regular rugby, so now the ball is back in my court.

“I will still be in contact with the staff throughout the season, so who knows what will happen, but of course I would be stupid to write off another crack at professional rugby.”

On Saturday, the forward who measures in at 6ft 5ins featured for the Penryn Saracens side who won a close fought affair away at Newquay 27-26.

He is set to feature for the team again tomorrow night when Stithians visit the Memorial Stadium.

The match kicks off at 7pm.